rtisan

TEN Memorable Screen Tests for "ET", "Star Wars" "Tootsie" and more

2010-09-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

Very cool to see these!

Some of the actors got the part and some didn't, but you can see why they are stars! They can actually act!

http://blog.moviefone.com/2010/09/13/famous-movie-screen-tests-video/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk3%7C171217

Buckaroo handmade treats for your dog!

2010-09-11T16:17:00.001-07:00

My dog Sam, wasn't feeling feel and on meds (he's fine now!). First he got a hole in his front foot pad from chasing the ball on newly laid asphalt and then...I cut a mat to close to his ear (actually cut a quarter size of skin!) which became extremely infected.

So I decided to buy him some treats from etsy, even though the vet says he needs to lose weight.

I contacted http://buckaroobones.etsy.com/ who owns a shop on etsy! She was extremely helpful and also sent me links for a better kibble for my pooch. He's a chowhound, a golden retriever.

She suggested toys to use when he eats his dinner so he wouldn't be able to gobble in all down at once. These are interactive toys.

Her bones arrived and she graciously cut them in half for fattie Sam. She suggested 6 small meals a day for him and he seems happier and less hungry.

Her bones are SO GREAT I will be buying them from now on. I got the plain salmon bisquits for Sam and he loves them. They're super crunchy and freeze well. Homemade meat, fish or chicken, and
free range chicken eggs (which don't contain chemicals or hormones!)

She also suggested to stop giving him rawhides, as they are processed in a strange brine from another country and could contain all kinds of horrible stuff.

If you have a dog, he deserves buckaroo treats! Handbaked!

*For some reason I am having trouble posting links on my blog today* I'll try again tomorrow!

A money tree? Really?

2010-09-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

A woman and her friends attached 100 "$1" bills with little notes and attached them to a tree to see what people would do. They filmed it all. The result was pretty cool:

http://www.urlesque.com/2010/09/08/money-tree/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl7%7Csec1_lnk2%7C169683

GREAT video of dog so happy about soldier's return

2010-08-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM8f3qvGbmg

Did your WEDDING photographer do a lousy job?

2010-08-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

Contact me at ruby5959@aol.com and we'll see if I can give you a hand.

Are you having problems with your etsy shop pics?

2010-08-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Contact me at ruby5959@aol.com and we'// see what we can come up with.

Dog days

2010-08-12T21:53:00.001-07:00

There's a nice bike trail (though seasonally it gets ticks--my most hated bugs) that my Sammie loves (he's the Golden Retriever with the two black spots on his tongue) to chase balls you throw with one of those ball tossers. This is his "pal" Akela who is German Shepard/ huskie.

He can run all day, with frequent breaks in the shade, chasing balls, and it's nice because the trail is dirt.

Well, they paved it over and I totally forgot about what happens to my boy when he runs too much on asphalt!

Poor Sammie was limping the next day and I discovered a huge hole on one pad and two smaller ones on his back feet. I tried to put some doggie wax on his sores, but it hurt, so I put on a dog shoe.

Then I was brushing out all the millions of burrs from his long hair. He always gets matts on the curly "dreds" by his ear so I was snipping away and he flinched.

God, I had cut too close to the skin and now he had a hole about the size of a quarter.

I felt so awful for him! He slept all day and night. It's been a few days and his walking is fine now.

We have to find a new place to chase balls.

CPR---a demo video to save someone's life

2010-07-15T23:20:00.000-07:00

http://handsonlycpr.org/

How to perform CPR if someone collapses. Many people are afraid to act because they worry they may worsen a person's condition. Don't wait, just do it!

They don't teach the breathing part anymore nowadays. You just do very fast chest compressions until an ambulance arrives.

Step 1. Call 911

Step 2. Fast chest compressions one hand linked over the other in the middle of the breastbone.

HUGE Christmas in July Sale! 20% OFF

2010-07-15T02:31:00.000-07:00

See how HAPPY I am!! That's because I am one of approximately 750 etsy sellers who are having a "Christmas in July" SALE from July 15th through July 31, ending at midnight PST.

I have already adjusted most tags and take the 20% off, but I got tired of doing it. So there's still a little over 1 page that I did not change.

If you buy something that has not been tagged "christmasinjuly" then I will refund the difference within that day. So don't worry!

Now's a time to get some great deals.

If you're getting married and have spent $1000 to $2000 for a wedding dress, why buy an inexpensive factory made veil and fascinator when you can get a beautiful, quality handmade one that looks professional in every way. Buy handmade!

From my friend--Hilarious!

2010-07-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster

Hi I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me. It has to be A4 and I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon.

This is the only photo of her I have .

She answers to the name Missy and is black and white and about 8 months old. Missing on Harper street and my phone number.

Thanks Shan.

From: David Thorn
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.26am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,

That is shocking news. Luckily I was sitting down when I read your email and not half way up a ladder or tree. How are you holding up? I am surprised you managed to attend work at all what with thinking about Missy out there cold, frightened and alone... possibly lying on the side of the road, her back legs squashed by a vehicle, calling out "Shannon, where are you?"

Although I have two clients expecting completed work this afternoon, I will, of course, drop everything and do whatever it takes to facilitate the speedy return of Missy.

Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.37am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Poster

yeah ok thanks. I know you dont like cats but I am really worried about mine. I have to leave at 1pm today.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.17am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,

I never said I don't like cats. Attached poster as requested.Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.24am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah thats not what I was looking for at all. it looks like a movie and how come the photo of Missy is so small?

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.28am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,

It's a design thing. The cat is lost in the negative space.

Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.33am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Thats just stupid. Can you do it properly please? I am extremely emotional over this and was up all night in tears. you seem to think it is funny. Can you make the photo bigger please and fix the text and do it in colour please.

Thanks.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.46am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,

I have amended and attached the poster as per your instructions.

Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.59am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

This is worse than the other one. can you make it so it shows the whole photo of Missy and delete the stupid text that says missing missy off it? I just want it to say lost.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.14am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.21am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster

yeah can you do the poster or not? I just want a photo and the word lost and the telephone number and when and where she was lost and her name. Not like a movie poster or anything stupid. I have to leave early today. If it was your cat I would help you.

Thanks.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.32am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Awww

Dear Shannon,

I don't have a cat. I have attached the amended version of your poster as per your detailed instructions.

Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.47am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Awww

Thats not my cat. where did you get that picture from? That cat is orange. I gave you a photo of my cat.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.58am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Awww

I know, but that one is cute. As Missy has quite possibly met any one of several violent ends, it is possible you might get a better cat out of this. If anybody calls and says "I haven't seen your orange cat but I did find a black and white one with its hind legs run over by a car", do you want it? You can politely decline and save yourself a costly veterinarian bill.

Regards, David.

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.07pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Aww

Please just use the photo I gave you.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.22pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

I didnt say there was a reward. I dont have $2000 dollars. What did you even put that there for? Apart from that it is perfect can you please remove the reward bit.

Thanks Shan.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.42pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Can you just please take the reward bit off altogether? I have to leave in ten minutes and I still have to make photocopies of it.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.56pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 1.03pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww

Fine. That will have to do.

How to Store and Organize cats!

2010-07-14T14:30:00.001-07:00

My little sis sent me this--soo cute!

Messing with special effects for my pics to look vintage

2010-07-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

These are "before" and "after". What do you think?

2nd Photo Shoot with My Neices!

2010-07-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Easy Peasy Photoshop tips anyone can use!

2010-07-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

(My first abstract, hanging in my dad's house--his photo)
So photoshop is pretty complicated and there are all sorts of things you can do with it.But if you don't want to take a class, there is a VERY EASY way to get the most out of your photos. It's very simple.

Using the "image" tab.

With the "image" tab, you can:

1. Brighten your photos
2. Color correct if they are too blue, too yellow, etc.
3. Make a color pic into a black and white photo
4. Saturate your colors so they really popThere are more things you can do with the image tab, but I will just stick with the basics.

--------------------
Go to adobe photoshop
click "file"
click"open" and choose a pic.

Now you have your pic and it's time to start fixing it.

A. To brighten your pics:

There are two options: "levels" or "auto levels"

1. Click "image' tab
2. Click "adjust"
3. "Click "auto levels". If you don't like the look of it, click" edit" and "undo" (that's how you can always go back a step)
4. If you want to try the manual one, click "levels".A little box will pop up with 3 arrows. Slide the arrow on the right side until your pic is bright enough.

You will see a HUGE difference in your pic.

----------------
B. Color correction:

1. Click the "file" tab and "open" and choose a pic.
2. Click the "image" tab.
3. click "adjust"
4. click "color balance"a little box will pop up. If there is too much blue, slide the arrow on the yellow side. Add red and yellow if you want good skin tones.

Red will warm up a pic. Blue will make a pic colder.

-----------------

C. Make a color pic into black and white:

1. click "file"
2. click "open" and choose your pic
3. click the "image" tab
4. click "adjust"
5. click "desaturate"

That's it! Your pic will now be black and white.

--------------------

D. Saturate your colors to make them pop!

1. click "file"
2. click "open" and choose a pic
3. click the "image" tab
4. click "adjust"
5. click "hue/ saturation"
6. Slide the middle arrow until your pic is colorful and bright.

-----------------------That's it! You'll have great pics!*don't forget, if there is anything you do not like, click the "edit" tab and click "undo"

Good luck!

27 outfits made of food

2010-07-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.urlesque.com/2010/07/01/27-pictures-of-clothing-made-of-food/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl8link5http%3A%2F%2Fwww.urlesque.com%2F2010%2F07%2F01%2F27-pictures-of-clothing-made-of-food%2F

Etsy is NOT for bargain basement goods.

2010-07-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

Handmade is worth more. It's made by one artist, with two hands. We are not able to take advantage of true wholesale prices when buying supplies for our creations because we're just small indie companies and cannot afford to buy huge bulk orders.

I have always felt, even before I joined etsy, that handmade goods could be found in specialty boutiques and I was always willing to pay a higher price, as I felt they are more valuable than massed produced goods, especially a handknit sweater.

Judging by what people request on alchemy, it seems "handmade education" is not very widespread. Many will ask for a copy of a big box store item or designer couture, saying it's way out of their budget, so they came to etsy to get a cheap price!

One etsian said she read on a bridal site that etsy has the rep of cheap prices. People wrote in to go there to get a cheap wedding dress---ugh!

Etsy seems to have aquired this bad rep and I am not sure why. But as long as sellers are willing to bid on very low prices on alchemy, and not even cover their cost in materials, let alone receiving any sort of profit, this mindset is here to stay.

Helful Business Sites:

2010-07-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

These are places I have found useful:

Advertise a giveaway on:
http://indiesmiles.com
http://byhand.me/
http://etsygiveaways.blogspot.com/
http://soapdelinews.blogspot.com/

http://socialmention.com/ See who is blogging about you

http://whois.com/ owner name, address, and other info about a website

http://rtisan.blogspot.com/ Blog and website ranker from 1 to 10 (scroll down a ways on left side) and
list of PR etsians who promote for a fee

http://www.wikio.com/blogs/top/beauty Top beauty blogs

http://youtube.com/ tutorials on crafts

http://www.fiverr.com/ a place where people will do odd jobs for $5 for you, like twitter about your shop, etc.

http://efreeme.com/ a free site to list and sell

http://esellerads.com/report.php?key=1a00ba2476c09d20be8d49b8855a4c04 free ads for your facebook, blog, etc.

http://spypig.com/ free email tracking

http://spypig.com/ IP address tracker

Featured in a fabulous wedding blog!

2010-06-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

And it ranks a "5" on my blog ranker which means it gets tons of views!

http://www.onewed.com/blog/savvy-scoop/category/accessories/2010/06/25/bride-chic-bridal-fashion-and-style-inspiration-etsy/

My photoshoot with my two nieces!

2010-06-22T23:24:00.000-07:00

My two nieces (my little brother's girls) Midori, a student/ singer/ model and Mariah, a college student/ model came over on Monday and posed for me. We had to really rush because their brother needed the car, so with about an hour, after getting dressed and pinning up their hair, I clickety clicked as fast as possible!

My nieces are just breath-taking and the sweetest girls, they can make anything look fantastic! Plus they are experienced in front of the camera and knew just how to pose, so it was easy for me.

They are coming back on Sunday to finish the things we didn't get to. I gave them some jewelry and hair stuff for being so gracious to do their auntie this favor.

Everything can be found in my etsy shop! Thanks guys!

Another giveaway on someone else's blog

2010-06-19T12:08:00.001-07:00

So I sent my new necklace, freshwater pearls and Italian sterling silver, all the way to Australia to be listed on another etsian's blog for a giveaway! This is the link (you have to scroll pretty far down until you see "giveaway with rtisan" http://blog.idoityourself.com.au/

She is also including a coupon worth $50 for wedding invites from her store. She makes lovely cards! http://www.etsy.com/shop/idoityourself

She also spends a lot of time blogging and putting together wedding accessory montages that are very pretty.

I'm getting MODELS on Monday!

2010-06-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

So excited! My two lovely nieces, Midori and Mariah (my little brother's girls) are going to help me out and model my new hair fascinators, and if there's time, hopefully my jewelry. Etsians have told me hair clips look better modeled, but I hate my pics of me currently in my store.

Mariah already models part time while she attends college, and Midori is a singer in my brother's band, so both aren't shy in front of the lens.

I am going to let them have whatever hair accessory or jewelry they want, because this is a HUGE favor to me.

Thanks guys!

I made veils and found a cool video for a bridal updo

2010-06-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

I used Russian lace and made bandeau style veils, one in black and another in ivory which I accented with teeny Swarovski crystals, sequins, and fancy bobby pins.

Here is an easy way to style you hair in an updo (from youtube) for wedding, prom, etc.:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UREq5uKkbhE&feature=related

Okay not your usual blog post...

2010-06-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

I'm going to hell, I'm sure...and this probably does not belong on my business blog, but I just had to post it. It was morning, all sleepy and peaceful, lighting moody and serene, blankets curved just so. Capturing a quiet moment. I won't mention his name and he never reads my blog...

More fascinators--I made some bridal ones

2010-05-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

Sweet Reunion between a man and the gorilla he raised as a baby

2010-05-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.pawnation.com/2010/05/24/sweet-reunion-between-a-man-and-the-gorilla-he-raised-as-a-baby/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl3link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2010%2F05%2F24%2Fsweet-reunion-between-a-man-and-the-gorilla-he-raised-as-a-baby%2F

More Feather Fascinators

2010-05-24T17:02:00.001-07:00

I made two more feather fascinators for any occasion. One has two peacock feathers accented by a bed of baroque freshwater pearls.

The other is a delicate piece with two satin peach roses (I learned how to make them from a youtube tutorial by a kid!) on a bed of orange pheasant feathers, with these really cool feathers called "goose biots" which are long, curvy and skinny. I also added some curly pheasant flue.

I am a bit nervous about making a bridal fascinator, but that will be my next. I guess I'm nervous because I can't really play with color, but will have to create interest with textures, shapes, and accents.

I am going to contact a wedding blog when I have enough fascinators in my shop.

Am doing a give-away soon--expensive stuff

2010-05-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

Either jewelry or one of my new creations--feather fascinators. Stay tuned!

How to sew an organza fabric flower

2010-05-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

These flowers are very easy to make and you don't need to be a seamstress to do so.

Get a piece of organza and cut out 6 squares. These will be your flower petals.Thread a needle and tie a knot.

Fold one square diagonally.

Using a running (basting ) stitch, sew one side.

Then sew the other.

Pull on the petal until it earches the knot in your thread. Do the same steps with 5 more squares.

After you have 6 petals, stitch them together.

You will have a lovely flower! Have fun!

I made 2 feather fascinators!

2010-05-20T15:03:00.001-07:00

I had such a GREAT time! It's much more fun than making jewelry!

I see a lot of feather fascinators made from feathers aready bunched together and a store bought flower, but what fun is that?

So far, I learned 3 techniques for making fabric flowers from watching tutorials on youtube. I plan to learn more elaborate techniques.

In my green fascinator, I cut out circles of various size and then singed them over a candle to pucker and shape them and keep the material from fraying.

Then I pulled out all my feathers I have in baggies and matched colors. Lots of hot gluing and getting burned!

Can't wait to make more tomorrow!

So I'm going to make feather fascinators!

2010-05-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I love playing with color, texture, and shapes, so I think this new venture will be a fun one. I still haven't received all my supplies (I bought 99.9% of them from esty sellers) and of course, bought too much! Am broke now. But when it comes to supplies, in whatever I do, I have to have it all and it has to be first rate quality.

I plan to make them from scratch, so I bought a ton of loose feathers, some vintage rhinestone buttons, and am learning to make my own flowers. I purchased 3 from an etsy seller already made (but haven't received them yet) so I could figure out how to make them, but I went on youtube and found a bunch of flower making tutorials.

So I have made a few of my own. They're actually quite simple. You cut out different sized circles and pass each one over a candle flame so they crinkle and the edges get sealed.

I bought 4 types of glue and a new hot glue gun to see whch works best but haven't received them all yet. I also got some alligator clips. I plan to buy bobby pins, hair combs and hairbands in the future when I have more money.

I bought ostrich, goose, guinea, pheasant, and turkey feathers.

I've made one practice one for a gift of the gallery curator in Spain and hopes she likes it!

And I better stop spending!

Mother's Day and my birthday!

2010-05-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

My son and his girlfriend came up from San Francisco and took me out to lunch and bought me a birthday cake! It's the first time he's ever taken me out to eat, so he's definitely growing up.

He's 18 and started college last fall. His girlfriend is an older woman--21!

We had a very nice time eating Thai food and drinking sake.

6th Grade Boy WOWS the World with his voice

2010-05-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

His name is Greyson Michael Chance and he's 12 years old in 6th grade. He recently was one of the contestants in a local 6 grade talent show and it was taped. He Played piano and sung a song called Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga.

He decided to post his performance facebook, and from there , to youtube along with 2 other songs he wrote and sung. The video went vial and was seen every where with over 8 million views.

Two days later he was invited to perform on the "Ellen Degeneras" show and Lady Gaga called in to wish him well.

He has an AMAZING and soulful voice, filled with feeling andan incredible range.

Here's the original video from the talent contest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxDlC7YV5is&feature=related

And then here he is on Ellen:

http://www.popeater.com/2010/05/13/greyson-michael-chance-lady-gaga-ellen/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl7link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeater.com%2F2010%2F05%2F13%2Fgreyson-michael-chance-lady-gaga-ellen%2F

His parents said they want him to concentrate on finishing the school year and getting ready for soccer before they decide about his future singing career.

Karma and cranes

2010-05-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I've decided to sell cranes for good Karma, in my shop. They can be hung in your car, a hospital room, or even your house. Since my son was very little, every time he took a plane trip to somewhere, I would make a crane and fold it flat, then tuck it in his pocket for a safe journey.

I have 3 in my shop made of beautitful chiyogami paper from my aunt in Japan. It is silk-screened one color at a time.

I also added a Japanese bad karma hex--no, this is not witchcraft or even voodoo. It's a karma spell I do on people who hurt me, or if you purchase it, people who have hurt you somehow.

Don't worry--this hex will not kill, maim, or do any mayhem. Instead, it's all about how much good Karma you have built up over your life. This hex will affect your karma in some way.

I am half Japanese and this is not a western view of karma. It's not even an India view of karma. It is a Buddhist view of karma. It is all about balance in the universe.

I am an agnostic, but my mom from Japan is a Buddhist. She also reads palms in the Japanese way and believes in the animal year you were born. I am a boar.

I totally believe in karma and have done this hex to people who get under my skin.

My mama tells me that doing this hex is actually beneficial because it draws out the negative energy inside of you which could be very destructive if it remained. She first showed me this particular hex when my then husband had an affair with our foreign exchange student who was living at our house when my son was a year old. I cooked for this Japanese girl and befriended her.

What she did was considered very evil for a Japanese, since they are very big on "face".

Anyway, I have it in my shop along with my good karma cranes ( and I will be adding decorative touches to them as I learn the art of mizuhiki (bending of beautiful washi papers).

Neil Young

2010-04-09T17:34:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iIc1yO1n2c

Bob Marley

2010-04-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i-gcWdBUb8&feature=related

He was the greatest!

Great Song "Sinnerman" by Nina Simone

2010-03-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shm1Kd8bHIc&feature=related

5 of my ethnic folk art paintings have sold and more

2010-03-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

"Flying Kites" 16x20 Sold $1,500
"Tending Sheep" 12x16 SOLD $700

"The"The Field" (version 2) 22x27 SOLD $950

"Milking" 14x18 SOLD $800

"Off To Town" 11x14 SOLD $350

"Fox Hunt" 24x36 (Payment for my art rep)

"The Field" (Version 1) 18x24 (in exchange for $1800 ads)

These are the paintings I did last July for a gallery show (two woman show). Since then, they have been moved around to different galleries.

OMFG! The gallery owner just called to let me know 3 more have been sold to to a single buyer. Also another buyer wanted one of those paintings but was too late. Hopefully, she will choose another.

I'm not rolling in dough yet, but out of this I have made a good bit and gotten one great newspaper article about me.

I don't sell my paintings on etsy because people are wary of buying higher priced paintings on the internet. All of my paintings are sold in the New Hope, PA area where I am originally from. My dad and stepmom (remember? I have 4 parents) live and can keep an eye on things.

I made a jewelry catalogue

2010-03-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's 23 pages and will arrive in a few days. It will have a soft cover and archival glossy pages. I made it because an old school friend of mine has generously offered to sell some of my pieces where she lives in Bocan Ratan, FL.

You can view my catalogue online here (I did make a few mistakes but it's too late to fix...) http://preview.picaboo.com/Webview/CoverPage.aspx?user=0000000000071CD47A&album=0000000000072A56BC

I am also going to include several pieces. I bought some new foil boxes and organza bags, I'll tuck into the package. I hope to sell a lot so that I can then turn my etsy shop into an art store with my articulated paper puppets, papier mache figures and my handsewn omiyage bags made of anitique kimono fabric.

Wow! So down today

2010-03-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

And just can't shake it. I'll try to make some bracelets. Art usually makes me feel better.

Listening to Jackson Browne makes me feel better because I always end up crying and that helps. I saw him in concert twice when I was younger:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXTDIr3egbE&feature=related "Late For The Sky"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHoWsrECE6w&feature=channel "Sky Blue and Black"

I never had depression in my life until 3 years ago when a bunch of major things happened to me all at once--my long time boyfriend of over 9 years broke up with me, my son moved to his dad's because he missed the city so much (San Francisco), I had major surgery (pancreatic tumor size of a grapefruit removed along with spleen and part of pancreas), and the surgeon did a hack job and left me with a premanent condition because of a damaged nerve he inadvertantly hit that bothers me every day (my stomach), one of my cat ran away while I was in the hospital and died two months later, lost my home, my stuff ended up in storage, and a few other things.

Sky Blue and Black:

In the calling out to one another
Of the lovers up and down the strand
In the sound of the waves and the cries
Of the seagulls circling the sandIn the fragments of the songs
Carried down the wind from some radio
In the murmuring of the city in the distance
Ominous and low

I hear the sound of the world where we played
And the far too simple beauty
Of the promises we made

If you ever need holding
Call my name, I'll be there
If you ever need holdingAnd no holding back,
I'll see you through
Sky blue and black

Where the touch of the lover ends
And the soul of the friend begins
There's a need to be separate and a need to be one
And a struggle neither wins

Where you gave me the world I was in
And a place I could make a stand
I could never see how you doubted me
When I'd let go of your hand
Yeah, and I was much younger then
And I must have thought that I would know
If things were going to end

And the heavens were rolling
Like a wheel on a track
And our sky was unfolding
And it'll never fold back
Sky blue and black

And I'd have fought the world for you
If I thought that you wanted me to
Or put aside what was true or untrue
If I'd known that's what you needed
What you needed me to do

But the moment has passed by me now
To have put away my pride
And just come through for you somehow

If you ever need holding
Call my name, I'll be thereIf you ever need holding
And no holding back, I'll see you through

You're the color of the sky
Reflected in each store-front window pane
You're the whispering and the sighing
Of my tires in the rain
You're the hidden cost and the thing that's lost
In everything I do

Yeah and I'll never stop looking for you
In the sunlight and the shadows
And the faces on the avenue
That's the way love is
That's the way love is
That's the way love is
Sky blue and black

(c) 1993 SWALLOW TURN MUSIC, ASCAP
Category: Music

Old connections still hurt...

2010-03-10T22:14:00.000-08:00

Today, my ex-boyfriend came for a visit and we took Sammie, our dog to fetch some balls. We hang out once in a while, send each other funny or interesting emails, and talk on the phone too. But it's always been a double edged sword.

This is the guy I was involved with after my divorce, a relationship that lasted nearly a decade, almost like a "second" marriage.

When we broke up, it felt like a divorce, since we had been together so long. For a while there was a little musical chairs--getting back together, breaking up, getting back together again...

Finally, about a year and a 1/2 ago, it was done. And the past 3 years had been a very hard time for me. He was one of the biggest loves of my life (another was a guy in college) and it slammed me hard in ways of depression (which I never had before) and utter sadness. A lot was going on for me at the time, which probably added to my desolation.

But I was able to pull thru' all of that and remain standing, and have a "best friend" relationship with him. I finally reached that wonderful place of no longer feeling in love with him or having any desire to get back together, as it had became toxic.

But he came over today, and in between tosses of the ball for our dog, he told me he had been seeing someone for the last couple of months and it was getting serious.

I went home and cried. For some reason, it made me feel very hurt. He had finally bought a house that was supposed to be "our house". He asked if I'd like to visit sometime to see the place. "Nope", I said. To him it was just a house but to me, it was an empty promise from the past.

Part of me is happy for him that he has found someone he connects with, as I do love him and care about him, but not in a romantic way. But I've decided I'm going to tell him I no longer wish to be friends and want to bow out of each other's lives. It would hurt too much for me.

Even though enough time has passed to heal my heart, it can still ache from old memories and the feeling that I have been "replaced".

The most beautiful excerpt of a poem--James Joyce

2010-02-18T19:48:00.000-08:00

"I asked him with my eyes to ask again yes

and then he asked me would I yes

to say yes my mountain flower

and first I put my arms around him yes

and drew him down to me so he could feel my breasts all perfume yes

and his heart was going like mad and yes

I said, yes I will..."

---James Joyce (“Ulysses”)

Food Art Paintings

2010-02-04T01:03:00.000-08:00

****Borrowed from film critic Roger Ebert's Blog:

http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/art-is-where-you-find-it-or-co.html

The most prodigious savant of all--Kim Peek

2010-02-01T21:35:00.000-08:00

Kim Peek, who inspired director Barry Morrow to write the movie "Rainman", was considered the greatest living savant with incredible memory capabilities. He knew about history, music, days of the week on any given date, remembered every book he had ever read, maps to everywhere, memorized phone books, etc.

He died in Dec. He was considered a prodigious savant, 1 of 10. His dad, who is in his 90's, was his constant companion. Kim could not dress himself, or shave or cook.

Here is a NY Times article about him and his death: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/us/27peek.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

Dr. Darold Treffert is the foremost authority on savants. His website gives you all kinds of info and also gives you links to many savants: http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome/

This is a documentary about Kim Peek:

part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2T45r5G3kA

part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJjAbs-3kc8&feature=related

part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Auufbu_ZdDI&feature=channel

part 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRPxMDj33S4&feature=channel

part 5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1aA5osvYgY&feature=channel

Adorable Charming Identical Twin Autistic Savants

2010-02-01T19:58:00.000-08:00

This is a documentary about the world's only set of identical autistic savant twins, Flo and Kay Lyman. They are both adorable, charming and sweet, and have incredible memories.

They are able to tell the day of the week of any date, the weather, what they ate, and what Dick Clark, their idol, wore on his reign as host of 1,000 dollar pyramid, their favorite show. They can also tell you who sang any song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5IAecvEA-4 part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWnIRECBpik&NR=1 part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGlF8UdptVo&feature=related part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8T4DqDpBvY&feature=related part 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLdSwHNfx7s&feature=related part 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOhROuH8F0k&feature=related part 6

An Amazing Prodigious Savant (Genius)

2010-02-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

Daniel Tammet is one of 10 of the greatest living prodigious savants ever. He has an amazing memory and once recited Pi from memory to over 22, 500 decimal points for a charity. He can calculate numbers in his head with lightening fast speed.

He sees numbers as colors and shapes and they just appear in his head without any thinking at all.

One of the most amazing things about him is that despite being autistic, he is highly functioning and can articulate what goes on in his head. He is able to love (has a boyfriend) and show emotion, has many friends, and has overcome most of his shyness. He learned to speak Icelandic fluently in just a week.

This is a documentary about him. He has written 2 books. I just finished reading his first book, "Born on a Blue day"----amazing and wonderful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbASOcqc1Ss&feature=related part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfoGsXYLxcs&NR=1 part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7oEdE2XjXE&feature=related part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqLzoiVzEY8&feature=related part 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMz3gjl9x-M&feature=related part 5

This is Daniel's blog: http://www.optimnem.co.uk/blog/index.php

Another great song

2010-01-20T15:08:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzQ9VrnNQLQ&feature=related

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING SHEEP

2009-12-12T14:31:00.001-08:00

http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/11/viral-extreme-shepherding-ad-campaign-lights-up-the-welsh-hill/?icid=mainhtmlws-main-wdl7link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2009%2F12%2F11%2Fviral-extreme-shepherding-ad-campaign-lights-up-the-welsh-hill%2F

Watch and Listen to this 4 year old and his ukulele

2009-12-12T11:04:00.000-08:00

He doesn't know the words which makes this youtube video so cute and he's a very talented player:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErMWX--UJZ4&feature=channel

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T08:54:00.001-08:00

What fun Halloween was this year! I went to my first haunted house and screamed through every room (you had to follow the arrow to get through) with people jumping out at you, elaborately staged scenes like a dining table coved with crisp white cloth, fine china, and a person in the middle eating something raw and disgusting, strobe lights, wooshes of air, headless dolls, etc.

Then we carved some pumpkins.

For Halloween night, Al my dad suggested a hunchback for Kenny. I was a witch and my mom helped me make this huge pointed hat. We stayed outside in this cul-de-sac where Kenny lives and droves of kids came by for the next 2 hours. He was hilarious and scared the hell out of all the kids. I was the friendly spook.

He dragged one foot and gave out candy. The kids would ask, "Does your back hurt?" He would say," My back is killing me" and kept dropping candy and telling the kids to pick it up for him. One kid saw him about 1/2 block before he reached the house and ran to his sister to get his sword to be ready to face the hunchback.

He followed a few kids, dragging his foot, and they would run away.

Great night!

My Gallery show is coming in a few days...

2009-07-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

My show's opening reception is July 18 (there's a typo in the date on the postcard which should say "July" and not "June".) 20 of my ethnic folk art acrylic on stretched canvas paintings will be shown along with established outsider artist Harriet Wiseman (one of her paintings is on the postcard too.)

You can see all 20 of my paintings at http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtisan/3721392203/in/photostream/

On Thursday, there will be a pre-show for customers selected by the gallery.

Writer Dan Brooks interviewed me by phone and wrote a great article which should be hitting 5 different newspapers today (my dad who is a professional photographer, will also be photographing the actual show for the newspaper he works for.) See article below:

http://www.buckslocalnews.com/articles/2009/07/15/entertainment/doc4a5e25e4b566d197029454.txt

Happy Mother's Day to my other mom

2009-05-10T11:29:00.001-07:00

I have 4 parents, 2 in CA, and 2 in PA. So this is my "Happy Mother's Day" to my other mom, in PA. This is my mom who has encouraged my artistic endeavors, comforted me through boyfriend break-ups, and the aftermath of my big surprise surgery.

Happy Mother's Day, Libby! I love you!

Sharon

Happy Mother's Day to my mom

2009-05-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

As you know, I often talk about my "old hippies" in my blog posts, meaning my mom and step dad because they' re both abstract artists who lived on Haight/ Ashbury, the true epicenter of the turbulent 60's during that time.

What I failed to mention is a very long story about my separation from my mom and two of my three brothers for most of my childhood. The short version is I have 7 siblings--3 full brothers, a half sister, and 3 step sisters, with two dads and two moms.

When I was 6, my dad took us away from my mom in San Francisco, to live with his brother's family in Wisconsin. After a year, 2 of my brothers went to live with my mom and step dad.

After a year my dad came and got my eldest brother and me, and we moved to Philadelphia. He remarried. Since then, all contact was cut off with my mom and two brothers, so my brother and I went through a very sad and confusing number of years without seeing or talking with that part of my family, roughly 13 years.

After my first year of college in PA, when I was 19, I was finally able to spend the summer in CA for the first time with my mom, brothers, step dad, little sister and 3 step sisters. It was the greatest time of my life.

I spent many many years without my mom and brothers and dreamed about them constantly. There was really no adult to turn too.

Directly after graduation from Penn State, I moved to Northern Ca to be with my long lost family.

So when my step dad very recently dug out these old pictures of my mom in her 30's (I was about 11 at the time) and scanned them, I was thrilled, since they are "missing pieces" of my life which I now find tangible in the way of a photograph.

Today is Mother's Day and though we often argue because we are so alike, I want my mom to know how much I love and cherish her, and treasure the fact that I can see her every day now, with no more wondering where she is and what she is doing.

Happy Mother's Day, Mama. I love you.

Sharon

A cellphone salesman sings opera

2009-03-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

This is from a British TV show of undiscovered talent. The man is Paul Potts and he sings "Nessun Dorma" from the opera by Puccini . Amazing! He won the competition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA

After getting famous, here is the full version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVkcvuhWGGY&feature=related

And I also included a version by Pavaroti, the greatest tenor of all time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdTBml4oOZ8&feature=PlayList&p=F0A4D2099DD3392E&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=3

Octomom giving birth--thanks Angie (Hilarious)

2009-03-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

Fishbulb500 sent me this. It's from the Jimmy Kimmel show and so funny, I am still laughing about it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywys3kx9trs&feature=related

Listen to his beautiful voice

2009-03-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

It's by this Hawaiian man named Israel Kamakawiwo'ole who was considered a national treasure in Hawaii. He had the most beautiful voice and played ukelele. He also weighed over 500 pounds and died recently in his 30's. Lovely lovely voice. You might recognize this song from commercials and movies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I&feature=fvw

Creative Writing Contest Octomom Giveaway!

2009-03-03T13:56:00.001-08:00

So apparently I'm the "bad boy" of etsy, even though I'm a girl. I posted a thread today, asking if my new octomom articulated paper puppet was in bad taste. I had a few "Nays" but the majority of people commented that it was distasteful and offensive and they probably would not shop in my etsy store. A few people did bring up a good point that my nasty paper puppets do not look nice next to my higher end jewelry.

That's already solved, however, because I have already opened a rubylane shop for my jewelry and just have to take the time to move it.

I want my etsy shop to be all about fun, making stuff that makes me laugh and have a great time, after slaving 2 years over promoting my stinkin' jewelry which has left me burned out for serious things.

I grew up reading "Mad Magazine" and find many strange things very very funny. I like bad puns. I even like offensive stuff as long as it is innocent and harmless and not hurting anyone.

Here's the closed thread: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6065754

Anyway, I digress! This is a contest and the prize is my "offensive" octomom articulated aper puppet and her litter of kidlets. The rules are simple. Write the worst, overblown, and BAD first sentence to a story, following all grammatical rules, which means no run on sentences or improper punctuation.

In a few days, I will pick the winner, so please let me know how to get in touch with you after the contest so I can send out the prize.

There is a national contest for bad first sentences. It's a good and funny read: http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/scott.rice/blfc2008.htm

My example:

Upon awakening to the balmy, grey skies just outside her window, Tiffany Barbie lovingly glanced over at her lustrous, shiny, blonde locks of hair lying about her pilllow like a halo of light, hair that really shouldn't have been there at all and had defied medical science since she was just diagnosed with alopecia, which had affected her hair on her legs and armpits, a disease that was a Godsend in some ways, since it was because of the alopecia that she had met handsome, masculine Dr. Standford Wanky, who, when examining her porcelain skin with his exquisite and moist soft hands, had sent tingles all throughtout her body, though her mind was still on Paul Stank, the starving artist, with his deep pools of blue eyes, who had painted her portrait, and talked of his dreams, his sad life, his lack of proper food and sustanence and a working shower, day after day, in his cramped little studio that smelled of linseed oil and turpentine, its walls covered with holes he had punched in his desperation as he cried about the sins he had committed with his last empoyer's nanny, and now Tiffany wished she could fall back into slumber so she wouldn't have to choose between the two men who loved her so.

Good luck everyone!

*The winners are in and it's a tie! Congrats fishbulb500 and wryandginger! Octomoms will be on your way as soon as humanly possible!

Thanks everyone for your great entries--it was a hard choice.

Sure Fire Way Of Stopping Panic Attacks DEAD!

2009-02-26T12:53:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm going to come clean here. No, I have no felonies nor am I addicted to chocolate. I suffer from panic attacks.

The reason I am writing this is because last night, someone on the etsy forum posted a thread about panic attacks. This morning, I posted a thread on how to stop them dead in their tracks.

So I thought I would blog about how to stop a panic attack instantly, and also a bit about assertiveness VS. agression

Stopping Panic attacks dead in their tracks:

1. As soon as you feel panicky, hold your breath. It is impossible to feel panic when holding your breath.

The physiological reason for this is as soon as adrenaline starts coursing through your body, your breathing changes. It might be so slight that you don't even realize it. You will start to consume too much oxygen (hyperventilation), which will add even more adrenaline, because your body is fooled into thinking it needs to escape an animal that is chasing you. More oxygen, more adrenaline, so you can get away.

You can also breathe into your hands or a paper bag, breathing in co2 which will then regulate your breathing to normal.

2. Repeat.

3. Relax your entire body. Just sag. You cannot feel panic if your body is completely limp. It's physiologically impossible.

4. Invite the panic to come and get you. Say aloud "Panic, come and get me."

Don't worry, it won't slam you. Inviting it instead of fighting it takes all the power out of it.

5. Repeat. "Panic, come and get me."

Afterward, you will feel jelly legs, effects from the adrenaline coursing through your body, but will feel no fear or other symptoms.

* The worst thing you can do when you feel panicky, is to try to take your mind off of it, or stop it in any way. It will just prolong and increase the adrenaline in your body. It will just last and last. That's why it's so IMPORTANT to do the steps imediately after you feel a hint of panic.

* Panic attacks are often hereditary, such as in my case.

Having them does not make you strange or a weak person. There are thousands of people who suffer from them.

* triggers of panic attacks are often angry or hurt feelings which are left unspoken and stuffed down. So anger and telling someone how you feel about a situation, is your friend.

That's where "assertiveness" comes in. Many people can't say "no" or are intimidated easily by others. Or they become super aggressive, which is self defeating.

There is a wonderful and funny book which teaches you techniques on how to be assertive (and not aggressive or passive-aggressive) called "When I Say No, I Feel Guilty" but Dr. Manuel Smith.

examples:

When dealing with someone who always finds fault with you, you can use two techniques:

Repeating everything this person says will eventually get him/ her to stop.

example:

"Your dress is ugly"

(you) "my dress is ugly?"

"It makes you look fat."

(you)

"It makes me look fat?"

"I wouldn't put a cow in that dress."

(you) "You wouldn't put a cow in this dress?"

Another technique is to agree with that person:

"You're a selfish bitch."

(you) "You're right. I can be a selfish bitch."

"You're stupid."

(you) "You're right. I may be stupid."

medications can also be very helpful. Klonopin has saved me many times!

Good luck!

Don't drink sake and go onto the etsy forums...

2009-02-22T15:26:00.000-08:00

Well, the day started innocently enough. Who knew what would occur just a few hours later!
It's that time of year again, my mom's birthday--72nd to be exact and she always likes to go to a great sushi restaurant where we are friends with the sushi chef Sama-san.

So we got gussied up, me looking like cat woman, dressed entirely in black with 3 inch suede knee boots. Sam the dog looked pitiful to be left, so he came along to the party.

We were met by a couple, some family friends.

The food was spectacular, the fish super fresh, the sake awesome. Normally, when you drink sake you share it, with the little cups and a decanter. But our guests had beer, my mom doesn't drink and my dad prefers his sake cold, whereas I like mine hot. So...I had that decanter all for myself. Then I had another, and another. A drunk person never knows how drunk he/ she is.

We went out to the parking lot where Sama-san fetched his own dog, an akita/ lab mix, and the two dogs played together with leases on. It was then time to go home, so Sama-san put my Sam in the car but forgot to take off his leash.

We got home, I let Sam out of the car, and went on my merry way, falling twice because of my 3 inch boots (not the thing to wear after consuming mass quantities of sake.)

I got on the phone, called my exboyfriend, told him I loved him and wanted to come home. Then I went on the etsy forums as some sort of ninja samurai Dear Abby.

Here are the forum postings, misspellings and all!

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6052967 and

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6052990

Later, my dad went looking for Sam, because he noticed him missing and he didn't respond to a whistle. Our cars are parked far away from the house because my parents live on a quarter of an acre. He saw Sam standing by the car. He called again, but Sam just stood there looking confused. Finally my dad went up to him and began to pet him, when he realized the dog leash was closed in the door!

Mama mia! Sam hates when I drink sake too.

I'm Featured on a great new site!

2009-02-22T15:14:00.000-08:00

It's a site created by Rebecca (http://soapdeli.etsy.com) and her husband and an amzing site at that! It was created in less than a week for only about $100.

Sellers from many venues, such as etsy, artfire, dwanda, 1000 markets, etc. are free to use this site to highlight their items in "Spotlights" which look like treasuries, do social networking, have your own page to upload photos, etc. Everyone is talking about this great new site.

Anyway, you can find my interview o the first page, just scroll down a bit: http://byhand.me

New mature articulated paper puppet

2009-02-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

My newest articulated paper puppet--Freddy the flasher!

He's creepy and he's stinky...

he likes to show his winkie...

Printed from my original illustration, digitally colored, handcut, and put together with brass brads. Watch out, Nana!

I've thrown in the towel...45% OFF SALE

2009-02-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

For jewelry that is! It doesn't make me happy anymore because all I do is promote, promote, promote, worry, and promote some more. Etsy does not do well with higher end work, especially jewelry. So I am having this blow out sale for about a week, then moving whatever doesn't sell, to http://rubylane.com/ where you pay advertising fees so no promoted needed, as I have been told.

I'm not leaving etsy, but am changing up what kind of store I want. I want something fun, that's fun to make and inexpensive to buy, like my articulated paper puppets or even papier mache figures. I'll also continue to knit scarves and make my tiny Japanese bags. Just no more jewelry for me!

Have fun with this sale!

Rain Rain Go Away

2009-02-15T13:04:00.001-08:00

It's been raining cats and dogs, and pigs and cows, all day and night for the last couple of days. So I guess winter is finally...officially here, despite its lateness.

Otherwise, it's been in the late 60's to 70's with cold nights.

As you can see, Sam is pissed because this means no fetch the ball. Yes, I could stand outside with a waterproof suit and umbrella and play, but it's windy too! Sorry Sam.

I love rain but not when it's cold too. Speaking of cold, my room is not and that's a good thing, thanks to that nice guy Sal who bought me a radiant heater which works great. No more numb hands trying to bend wire.

I have added a "follow my blog" widget and to my surprise, my cousin found me and left a little note! It's not because of the widget, but because I shamelessly sent out a huge email to all my family and friends to put my shop link in their emails to friends. So my cousin blogged about my shop and then visited my blog. Thanks Meg!

Stay dry and warm , kids!

If a blogger solicits you for a free item to review

2009-02-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

there are some things you might want to consider before handing over your item ( this is NOT about blog give-aways, but a blogger asking you to specifically give him/her a free item with a review on his/her blog in return):

1. Almost all very popular, high traffic blogs and websites do not contact sellers. It's the other way around--they get contacted by hundreds of sellers asking for a product review.

2. Their blogs are most likely low traffic ones.

3. They want freebies.

4. They could just as easily PAY for your item and then review it.

5. They could just blog about your item or shop for free by using your pictures.

6. There are some people out there who will take advantage of you.

This tool might be helpful when deciding whether or not to send a product for review:

free blog ranker:
http://www.prchecker.info/check_page_rank.php
(blogs with a page rank of 4 and above get good traffic and have a good ranking)

So please be sure to check out stats and stuff, before sending free stuff.

A List of Promoters you can hire for your shop

2009-02-08T16:07:00.000-08:00

(My new avatar)

Yesterday on the etsy forums, I posted a thread about how I seem to spend my life promoting my shop, never-ending hours upon hours, and never seem to have time now to make new pieces, photograph them (which is also extremely time consuming) and list items. So I suggested that there is an untapped niche on etsy---shop promoters or PR people.

How great because a bunch of people came forward, and I have actually hired one person, to try out for a week, to promote my shop. She is making me an ad, then will post it in several network sites, along with some classified ads.

To help anyone needing this kind of service, I have compiled a list here of PR people, bloggers who will feature you and your shop for free, and some free sites to place ads. Also, a really cool site that has a website/ blog rater (it goes by how much traffic your blog receives, so you can check before you commit to placing an ad on someone's blog or site).

Here we go (with my disclaimer that I can, in no way, vouch for any of these people. Convo them and ask about their history with business marketing, etc.--do the research before choosing one):

http://hamptondesigns.etsy.com/
says: I would love to help anyone with promotions---I love PR/Marketing etc. I would love to write a press release for you, a feature story etc. Perhaps brain storm about some ways to get creative with your marketing for the next few months---If you are interested---please convo me. I have honestly been thinking about starting a blog just for marketing for crafters---it would feature daily and weekly goals, and fun projects for all--to make promotion fun!!Looking forward to hearing from you!
I didn't share much about my background--Public Relations and Journalism--I have been a freelance writer, and also operated my own art studio for 8 years. I recently decided to jump back into the corporate world after a recent divorce--however, not sure that was the right move. I am now the marketing director under a major national company. However, I don't think working for "the man" is what I should be doing. So my goal is to promote my art work on etsy and other online/offline venues, operate as a freelance writer, and start a marketing blog/business to help with...promotions! I miss owning my own business, and creating daily--writing, painting or getting creative with a marketing plan--I am a bit different of an artist. I consider myself more the creative type. If you are interested in helping me get my business off the ground, I would be interested in helping you. Perhaps we can work together---talk to you soon!

http://peeperkeepers.etsy.com/
I can create an etsy facebook page or personal/ business blog, myspace, twitter, etc. If you are looking for a website presence I can create that. I am willing to work with anyone who needs help with marketing, be it print or internet.

I work for iContact for email marketing. Email me if you are interested.

http://yayamarsy.etsy.com/
My business is small & I just do a few admin jobs for other small businesses.
But, as I read this thread I'm thinking that maybe I can put a package together for Handmade i.e. Etsy shops
to promote, or have a menu of things I can do. I know people won't have a lot to spend to start, so that's why I want to tailor this and think about the best approach. I don't know how long this thread will last since someone said this is something Etsy would not allow. If anyone is interested, please convo me then I can
give you my email address and we can really talk. Thank you, Marlene

http://madeformebyoaklie.etsy.com/
I create Avatars, Banners, Logos, I have have created my own address lables to match my logo, Avatar and Banner. I have a website http://myhelpinghand.ning.com/ . I love setting it up and change peridodically to keep things fresh!I can create and place ads.. there are a lot of free advertising sites out there. I also have numerous networks I belong to and carry my theme throught. If any would be interested in a personal consult just email me through my webpage. I have added a page there called helping hand or you can convo me here

http://mysticmistressdesign.etsy.com/
I use facebook,myspace,twitter,2 blogs,local press realeases,and paid ads on orangesoda and yellow book not to mention any free classifieds I can get to bring people to my site and everyone links that I have posted.Unfortunaltely (sp) it taked a goo 30 days to get in all the search engines etc. but i have had about 1300 page view so far and still tweaking the site to make it more shopper friendly.

http://shadesjewelry.etsy.com/
Hi...been reading your post. Could you tell me a little more about what you are looking for in having someone else promote your business? I might be interested in helping you out, but I want to see what exactly you have in mind first!! :-)Feel free to read my blog to learn more about me! I'll be out some this evening but will respond as soon as I return! Blessings, Dawn ( Dawn will do a complete review of your shop for $30)http://shadesjewelry.blogspot.com/

Bloggers who will feature you:

*FREE http://myfunnybunny.etsy.com/ ( does giveawayson her blog )

I do give aways and when the item is sent to me for the give away I do a seperate review!Started this month, all etsy sellers. This month's FREEBIE - AVATAR & BANNER!http://www.myfunnybunnyhandmade.blogspot.com/

*FREE http://facialcareboutique.etsy.com/ (will blog about your shop)

*FREE http://busterandboo.etsy.com/ ( will feature you on her blog and has blog giveaways)

*FREE http://robynsart.etsy.com/ (will feature you on her blog--she does an interview every Weds.)

*FREE http://alionakjewelry.etsy.com/ (will feature you on a blog)
"I'm planning to start my own blog with a goal to promote handmade. Funny enough, I was planning to do it for free! The only trick is to get myself organized and set aside time to actually do it."

*FREE http://digitalexpressions.etsy.com/ (will feature you on her blog)
Okay I'm gonna jump in and hope this work. I love blogging and special about artistic/creative people. I would like to offer featuring any of you in this thread on my blog http://www.glentwistle.blogspot.com/. All you have to do is convo me with permission to copy your photos and infor from you profile for use on my blog.I may even later ask you to do an interview as I have time. I still create, blog, do a little promoting and love it all.Go look at the blog and you will see what I do. I was told by on of the artists I featured in my watercolor blog that she sold both items I featured. It can't hurt and costs you nothing.

http://jimjuris.etsy.com/ will answer questions. He also is willing to reveiw your shop for a samll fee.

http://gilbea.etsy.com/ (is a web designer)

FREE ad sites:

http://byhand.me/
http://www.adgridwork.com/
http://thmpsd.dmpmc.net/ (go to upper right where it says to "submit store"
http://www.squidoo.com/classifiedslist
http://myshoppingconnection.com/
http://indiespotting.com/

free website grader: http://website.grader.com/ (so you can check out scores for websites to see if they are worth advertising on and get plenty of traffic. )

free blog ranker: http://www.prchecker.info/check_page_rank.php (blogs with a page rank of 4 and above get good traffic and have a good ranking)

http://feralglass.etsy.com/ recommends a book called "A Complete Guide to Google Advertising" by Bruce Brown

I am Baaaaaaaack...at etsy and blogging again

2009-02-08T15:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been gone for quite a while, nursing a broken heart from my breakup with that Bill guy, my ex-boyfriend of almost 9 years.

My etsy store (I now only have one after my hard drive got fried) was full of cobwebs and dust, and I have been doing a bit of cleaning up and adding new things--many lower priced casual jewelry pieces made faster and with less intricate detail, so I could offer a range of jewelry for different buyers. I am still busy adding more pieces.

Plus I started knitting! My first, a loose weave oatmeal colored wool scarf, is almost finished and I'll add it to my shop.

I am glad to see my old etsy friends are still around--fishbulb500, fashiongreentbags, and princessizzy. Fishbulb said I better post another blog or she would have no choice but to kill me dead because she is SO sick of coming to my blog and seeing the pics of me and my two old hippie parents partaking in the huge portions of an authentic Mexican meal (see post below!)

Here's Sam at the largest dog part in the entire USA, running free and happy. It runs right along the beach and, after a few ball tosses, he snuck into the pacific ocean which is rocky, ice cold, and full of currents! After that we put him back on the leash. He just cannot resist water. Goldren retrievers are bred to be waterdogs; hense, their super thick coat.

I am glad to be back! Hello everyone!

Dinner at autentic Mexican Restaurant/ spring flowers in the garden

2008-03-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

California is know for it's plentiful and diversified food. There are restaurants for hundreds of types of cuisine and it's relatively easy to find the authentic stuff. I took my parents, once again for a night out to eat (hey, I'm newly single, in a new town, so who else to hang out with than my cool parents.)

This time we had authentic Mexican cuisine, not to be confused with Tex Mex kinda stuff. This is a neighborhood shanty which gives you such incredibly large portions, we brought back home 3 huge doggie bags with us.

Spring is coming and pretty fast...

Our Japanese garden is full of colorful, bursting plum blossoms, tulips, and camilia.

New stuff for my artshop

2008-03-10T18:15:00.000-07:00

I have received the most WONDERFUL ultra glossy pocket mirros with real glass mirrors on the reverse. I had a few done by etsy seller dbayou18 and the majority, by http://kittycrossbones.etsy.com who specializes in this type of thng.

They are so pretty and cute, I would like to keep them all! They are pocket mirrors for your purse, with images of my original paintings on them. I sell them for $9 each or two for $16 (a $2 savings) and each comes with its own pouch.

Here are some pics of the mirrors I offer. Hurry because a few are almost gone:

Commissioned work is egg-actly what I like

2008-03-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

Do you all know and love fishbulb500, an etsy buyer who buys tons from many many sellers? Well, Angie has become a very good friend of mine ever since I sold her my original lil humpty dumpty painting. She's a little wacky and cracked, Angie is, even a tad egg-centric, and recently made a request.

"I want a family, my family, to be humptys"

"Um...what?"

"We are all very 'eggish' looking, so I think it would be swell to have a painting."

"Ah...alrighty."

Soooo, I have begun working on this egg-cellent project. After sketching it out, I have outlined it with my speedball pen and india ink. Here's how it looks so far:

I will post later after I paint it with watered acrylics. Have an eggs-tra nice day, y'all!

Well, here's the finished painting. I have to see what fishbulb500 says!

New Work

2008-03-04T19:42:00.001-08:00

I really enjoy pen and ink, but it was time to get back into my acrylics on stretched canvas work, especially since a long time ebay customer commissioned another of my garden ladies. She owns about 7 or 8 of my voluptuous ladies with fruit.

This one is for her neice. They are quite fun to paint, but I have to be in the mood, as they require tons of blending with no outlines.

Because she will now have the original, I will be offering prints of "Garden Lady with Peaches" in my etsy shop.

I got so enthusiastic, I did another painting, one very similar to another I sold to her a while back. It's an original and will also go into my etsy shop. "Garden lady with Limes", a pretty Hispanic woman with fruit.

In the next coming days, I plan to expand my trunkt portfolio, by adding all my originals, prints, puppets, and cards.

My Dog Learns to Run Alongside my Bike

2008-02-29T16:02:00.000-08:00

I play fetch every day with my golden retriever not only because he loves his tennis balls, but also because he adores running, as all big dogs do. I needed to start exercising, since I haven't really done much of anything since my major surgery, in order to make my body strong again and Sam always wants to go anywhere to try new things. A bike is low stress on the body, so I thought maybe he could learn to run alongside the bike. My dad graciously volunteered to join us, since it would take two of us to teach Sam. So we hopped into the truck and drove over to a nice bike pathway.

At first, my dad, Al had to run between me on the bike, and Sam attached to his leash, since he kept jumping in front of the bike, so excited! plus, he has a funny habit of grabbing the leash in his mouth so it looks like he is walking you.

After only a few practice runs, Al let go of the leash, and Sam was sailing along side of me, galloping like a miniature but chubby horse! He learned so fast and I was exremely proud.

It doesn't appear like he is running in these pics, but he was cantering with joy! Tomorrow we'll go again and practice.

It was great to be on a bike again (used to be one of my favorite things to do) and I forgot all about my troubles, to hear the wind rushing by my ears, feel it hitting my face as I dipped and curved in the bumps and crevices on the paved road. I seriously felt alive again.

Afterward, Al and I did something bad--we went to IHOP. Normally, all of us eat organic and very healthy homestyle Japanese food, but a decadent treat of pancakes and eggs and more seemed to be in order.

2 Posts tonite! Accepted by Trunkt (yay!)/ feature about jabon soap seller

2008-02-25T17:57:00.000-08:00

I got accepted by trunkt for my artwork! Trunkt is a juried art/ handmade online site that is visited by wholesalers, and boutique and gallery owners. The competition is pretty fierce and it really helps small businesses get their start. So I am just thrilled.

I still haven't figured out the ins and outs to the site yet, or added all my info, but I can be found at http://www.trunkt.org/rtisan2

Here are the 3 paintings (prints) I submitted for my portfolio:

A Great Soap Seller on Etsy!

I did a trade a few days ago ( a pair of my sterling silver, Czech glass leaves, and freshwater pearl earrings)

For some soaps and lip balm from http://jabon.etsy.com/. WOW! What a treat her packaging is!

A guest bar of lemon mint and lip balm came in this adorable embroidered kelly green strawbag. The three bars of soap, dulce de leche, tropical escape, and lavender oatmeal almond came with a nice wooden soap dish, all wrapped up in bright red jute. The package arrived by priority in just two days!

Jabon, in Spanish means "soap", but it is also the name of this seller's fictional chracter in a story she wrote, who survives the civil war in a Latin American country, buy selling her soap wares. Each of her products is made with peace and healing to pass along.

There is a sea of soap sellers on etsy and it's hard to pin down just one. So, if you are looking for a treat for your eyes, and cheery packaging, but also soaps that smell so really good, give her shop a go. I can't wait to try them!

Birthday Celebration

2008-02-24T18:30:00.001-08:00

Not for me of course, since I am a May baby, but it was for my brother, mom, and sister-in-law, many Feb. birthdays. We have a huge family of 8 siblings, but only 3 of us could make it. It was Japanese food again, and yes, we do eat other cuisines, but my mom chose her favorite Japanese restaurant. Because she loves Sama-san, the sushi chef who buys the freshest fish and likes to experiment with fushion type food ( a mixing of east meets west kinda thing.This is Sama-san. Sushi chefs are thought of with very high distinction and must pass many rigorous tests, be extremely talented and innovative and possess years of training to make it.

Here are pics of some sashimi in the display case, all fresh that day. One is octopus, then salmon, and lastly, my favorite tuna (maguro).

And this is my family:

My old hippies (my mom justed turned 71).

One older brother (his birthday), his German wive and their two boys, and younger brother and his French wife (her birthday.)

It was a GREAT night, with too much sake, lots of laughing and eating, and a bill of ...over $700!

New Naughty Dog Puppet

2008-02-22T15:14:00.000-08:00

Doesn't my dog, Sam, look positively guilty? He should...he was naughty yesterday. We had a visitor and Sam was a little too "friendly"with this man. This inspired me to make a naughty dog puppet! I even had to label it as "mature" in my listing. I won't devulge or show a picture of this puppet's naughtiness--you'll just have to look at picture #3 on my listing in my artshop. This is the link: rtisan2.

Here are two pics I will show of my new puppet set:

For my listing, I wrote

"He piddles, he poos.
and fetches balls, he even chews.
He will root thru' your garbage, and eat your shoes.
"Hump-hrey" also does what naught dogs do. Oh, Mrs. Cleaver disapproves!"

I was on the forums yesterday and received a ton of suggestions from other etsy sellers about my artshop and many new ideas for puppets. Etsy sellers are the VERY BEST and niciest people I have ever met. They are all so helpful and generous. Thanks everyone!

Sweetest video about a pet hippo in South Africa

2008-02-21T08:55:00.000-08:00

My friend sent me this. It's lovely to watch:

http://glumbert.com/wii/view.php?name=pethippo

Winter rears up its watery head again

2008-02-20T17:14:00.001-08:00

The rains returned again last night with a vengence, and early this morning, left a shroud of fog everywhere.

This is my first winter here in Santa Rosa and I am amazed at how green everything remains, yet it gets pretty cold and wet. The oak trees look startling and magnificent, leafless yet so powerful and large, it sets a moody canvas with the fog.

When the winter season began, there was a continous drone of acorns pinging on our roof, day and night. Now all the trees are bare, but the small fruit trees already have new buds emerging.

I'm up early every morning because my dog, Sam, likes to play fetch. He carries his treasured tennis balls everywhere we go.

The Esty Newbie Round-up!

2008-02-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

Well, I posted in the forums today, looking for some new etsy sellers to feature, and in all of 10 seconds, 11 people popped up. So I decided to feature everyone today! I'll post a link and my favorite item from each shop.

Imperialenamelart makes the most STUNNING hand-formed glass cloisonne and sterling silver pendants. She has quite a variety of colors and flowers, but this one is my favorite.

vickyvk makes an assortment of jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, and all look positively edible. I love the cherry colored jasper she used in this necklace to accent the lovely floral lampwork bead.

mysticsilks takes a piece of fine silk and paints a scene on it with fabric dyes. What an incredible talent! The colors are exquisite!

vicsoriginalart does animal portraits. I love the ACEO's , like this original mini painting of a cat's eye. It is visually superb, the mediums prisma colored pencil and ink.

Deliathedancer does a form of recycling with her jewelry. She takes found pieces, incorporates them into her designs, and comes up with new pieces. This is a delightful charm necklace.

barl9758 makes beautiful and whimsical coaster sets. Each coaster is a piece of tile, backed with cork so your furniture won't get scratched and then covered with decorative paper. A perfect housewarming gift!

thecrochetedbaby makes the most adorable infant socks out of warm cuddly cotton and wool blend. She offers many colors. Makes me want another baby just so I can buy some of these cuties.

mommyluv sews bibs, blanket warmers, and outfits for the little ones. This minty set is just too cute! It's a baby girl's outfit complete with matching pants, made with super comfy cotton.

weluvzombies makes some pretty crazy fun clothes, as you can tell by her name. How about a pirate mini, complete with skull and crossbones?

couturebrewtoo makes the most exquisite and fancy clothes for girls! This lacy confection is covered with embroidered and sequined butterflies. For a more demure look, your little girl can wear this dress without the chiffon overlay.

pouss makes jewelry with found objects, such as dice, buttons, or vintage pieces. This is a lovely heart made of crystals, gems, and buttons, which she wove together with wire. A real one of a kind piece of jewelry.

Bunnies Bunnies Bunnies

2008-02-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

I illustrated bunnies today, one a print of two friends, and the other an articulated paper puppet with a basketful of colorful eggs. I think drawing and making puppets are currently my favorite type of art to do. It must go back to my childhood fascination with paper dolls and dollhouses, even though I was such a tomboy!

My puppets can be mounted as art in shadow boxes. I might start selling backgrounds to go with the shadow boxes and will perhaps, mount a few, myself.

The old hippies gave me a beautiful hyacinth plant today but I don't have a picture available. It's beautiful and a delicate purple.

Closing shop (my jewelry store that is)

2008-02-16T19:10:00.000-08:00

Not my art shop!

My jewelry shop, which I have had for a little over a year on etsy, would do better on a site that caters to high end artisan jewelry, so I am thinking of moving it to www.rubylane.com. But before I go, I thought I would have a blow out sale, with 25% off everything in the shop. I am announcing this sale only on my blog. If you are interested, please have a look-see at http://rtisan.etsy.com/

Here are some pictures of various pieces. I use only sterling or fine silver on all my pieces--no plated stuff.

The winners are in for my writing contest

2008-02-16T11:05:00.000-08:00

Wow, that was a really hard decison--so many great writers here on etsy. The list of words were pretty strange, but somehow, everyone managed to incorporate them into their stories: dame, weave, gumshoe, galloshes, torrential rains, umbrella, peanut butter and jelly, stilletoes, swagger, stormy, and weiner dog.

These are the two winners who will get to pick out some artwork from my shop (excluding originals) as prizes:

http://wolflodge.etsy.com

Torrential rains always bring out the romantic in me. A stormy day is a welcome friend, as comfortable & as familiar as an old shirt, or a peanut butter & jelly sandwich & a cup of cocoa. An umbrella is foreign, an insult to nature’s intent; rather I prefer to gaze up at the clouds & thank them for their gift, arms outstretched, luxuriating in the sharp, prickling stillettoes of raindrops on my face, as they rush to greet the earth again.

No galoshes for me, no drunken weave around the puddles & pools & piles of water frolicking in the low places where they are happiest. No squealing skipping swagger, no dodging dame decrying the damage to her ‘do, with a newspaper slung over her hair. I notice the colorful ad with the photos of weiner dogs on the page as it darkens with the spatter of the drops, & I am drawn closer to discover the identity of the advertiser as the paper-hatted stranger twitters by. I chuckle at my compulsive curiosity, like a washed-out gumshoe who cannot stop looking for clues, even in the rain.

http://calloohcallay.etsy.com

If it weren’t for the torrential rains and that damn weiner dog, sitting in the middle of the doorway like he owned the place, I would have kept on going and never would have noticed the dame in the galoshes. I mean, she wasn’t much too look at, standing there in that disgusting gray overcoat, her complexion like peanut butter and jelly. Grape jelly.

“Got a light?” she said, in a voice that reminded me of Carrotop on coke. She stuck an umbrella out and blocked my way. I tried to weave around it, but she hooked me around the ankle and pulled tight.

“Hey, gumshoe,” she said. “I’m talking to you.”

I turned to look at her then. She had a nose like a stilletto, a mouth like a head of cauliflower. “Kind of a stormy night, ain’t it?” she said, and I could tell that she was coming onto me. “What of it?” I said, trying to maintain my usual swagger but she unnerved me, this dame. I knew what she wanted, and I knew that in the end I would give it to her.

I always had a soft spot for peanut butter and jelly.

------------------------------

Thanks everyone, for giving it a go!

Not the best Valentine's

2008-02-15T09:37:00.000-08:00

This is me, after crying a lot last night, with very puffy eyes. I am no longer part of a couple...after 9 years with my boyfriend. Yes, I am a freckle face!

Been up since 6:00 am, sky still dark and day yet to appear. I take my ultra strong cup of French roast to warm up a bit and wait for light. I am wearing a pair of handwarmers I bought from an etsy seller and a warm knit scarf from my mom. I have on my thickest sweatshirt. This is California in the winter, pretty frigid, but luckily, the rain has been holding off.

Here are some pics of the garden, looking soft and dewy in the early light. You can see the rosemary blooming with tiny delicate lavender flowers, and a large koi who has surfaced to greet me.

Out to eat sushi

2008-02-15T07:58:00.001-08:00

For a pre-valentine dinner, I took my "old hippies" ( how I refer to my parents in the forums sometimes because they lived on Haight and Ashbury, the true epicenter of the turbulent 60's, during that time and were, well...hippies--I have another set of parents living in Pennsylvania too) out for a bite of sushi. Both are well known painters, an abstract expressionist with minimal color and an abstract colorist. My mom is a little Japanese woman who earned herself a BA and BFA in her 50's.

This is an avocado salad, mixed with baby greens and a sesame dressing.

Various sushi

Spicy tuna (maguro) roll

Make an articulated paper puppet

2008-02-13T14:30:00.001-08:00

I made a new puppet today--Jack and the beanstalk (and scary Giant too) and thought I would explain how I do it. This would be a fun project for you to do with the kids. These puppets are delightful because they can move.

I use a huge pad of drawing paper because it will shrink once I make a print of it and that way, the lines will be crisp and clean. I sketch my idea with pencil first. Any parts which will be moveable, have to have extra paper so they can be connected.

Then, I ink in everything. I like to use my trusty speedball pen with removeable nibs, depending on what kind of line I would like. You can also use a crowquill pen for a finer line. I use Higgins waterproof ink, very black and stable.

I take a picture of my illustration and upload it to my computer, keeping it at full size to keep it crisp. I proceed to color it in photshop. You can skip these steps if you want to just color your puppet by hand. You can use watercolor, acrylics, crayons, anything at all.
I print out my illustration of heavy photo matte paper, then cut it out, and add the metal brads which I purchased from etsy seller, schoollocker

When I am done, this puppet can be played with or mounted as art in a shadow box--voila!

Contest Feb. 11, 2008 evening

2008-02-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

To get things started, I thought I would have a contest of sorts with a prize from my artshop (1 item--your pick, with the exclusion of original paintings).

I have a list of words and the two people who come up with the cleverest paragraphs, are the winners. The list:

gumshoe, peanut butter and jelly, galoshes, torrential rains, umbrella, swagger, dame, stormy, weiner dog, weave, stillettoes

Here's my example:

It was a typical dark and stormy afternoon, torrential rains. I had parked it on the curb, knowing the suspect, that dame with the basketball swagger and bad weave, would hit the intersection walking her weiner dog at 12:50 on the dot, just like she did every day. She wasn't the brightest bulb. And it showed. Because her movements were like clockwork.

I opened my sack lunch, a bit crushed from its place in my side pocket, the wax paper coated with peanut butter sludge. I brown-bag it. I'm a gumshoe. Its's how we do things. Peanut butter and jelly, no surprise. I made it myself.

I had gotten 2 bites into the sandwich, when I spotted that pink umbrella, the mincing step of those white stillettos, from the corner of my eye. She was early! 12:48 on my dial. Something was up and I didn't like it one bit...(stay tuned)
----------------------------------
Now it's your turn! Post on my blog your version of these words and I will pick a winner in a few days.

First Blog! Feb. 11, 2008

2008-02-11T17:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't really have to talk about my art or anything of any real importance since this will be my first blog and I'm still trying to think of things I'll write about in the future. So for now, this will just be a "nothing" post and I can just relax!

We were having torrential rains, and now there has been a week of calm--blissful sunny days in the 70's, the garden lush and revived from all the water, and it feels like spring again. To take advantage of this lovely weather, I took some close-up photos of the animals in all this greenery. Sam's mug looks like one only a mom could love because it's somewhat distorted. His shnozz looks huge and cute.

The weather report said we'll have a whole week of this calm. Fingers crossed.